Starting child therapy can feel like a big step for your family. You may be wondering whether your child will need to talk, what questions the therapist will ask, or how you can help the process go smoothly.
The first session is usually about getting to know your child and family. It is not a test that your child can pass or fail. It is a calm opportunity to understand what is happening, identify strengths, and discuss practical goals for support.
At Inspire Health and Medical, our Clyde North psychology and counselling services support children, adolescents and families with concerns including anxiety, depression, behavioural challenges, trauma, school difficulties, child autism and child ADHD.
WHY MIGHT A CHILD START THERAPY?
Children communicate distress in different ways. Some may talk about their feelings. Others may show that something is wrong through changes in behaviour, sleep, friendships, school attendance or emotional regulation.
Families may seek child therapy when a child is experiencing:
- Frequent worries, fears or physical symptoms of anxiety.
- Low mood, withdrawal or loss of interest in activities.
- Strong emotional reactions, anger or difficulty calming down.
- School refusal, learning concerns or problems with friendships.
- Behavioural changes after a major life event, separation, loss or trauma.
- Social communication or sensory differences.
- Difficulties with attention, impulsivity, organisation or transitions.
- Questions about child autism or child ADHD.
- Challenges adjusting to family, school or community changes.
You do not need to wait for a formal diagnosis before asking for help. Therapy can support your child’s wellbeing while you are exploring an assessment or seeking advice from your GP, paediatrician or school.
WHAT HAPPENS BEFORE THE FIRST APPOINTMENT?
When you contact a service, the intake team may ask about your child’s age, the main concerns and the type of support you are looking for. This helps the service consider which professional may be the best fit.
At Inspire Health and Medical, you can book online or call 1300 947 477 to discuss your needs. No referral is needed to make a private appointment. If you are seeking a Medicare rebate, you may need a valid Mental Health Care Plan and referral from your GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician.
You may be asked to complete intake forms before the appointment. These can include questions about:
- Your child’s development and health history.
- Current concerns at home and school.
- Family circumstances and important life events.
- Your child’s strengths, interests and relationships.
- Any previous assessments or supports.
Answer as openly as you can. There is no need to have everything perfectly organised.
WHO ATTENDS THE FIRST SESSION?
Every child is different, so the first appointment may be structured in several ways.
A PARENT-ONLY FIRST SESSION
Some therapists begin by meeting with a parent or caregiver without the child. This gives you space to describe your concerns in detail and discuss family history, school experiences and your goals.
A parent-only session can be especially helpful when:
- Your child is very young.
- Your child feels uncomfortable discussing concerns in front of others.
- There are family or safety matters you need to explain privately.
- You want to discuss sensory needs or previous experiences with health services.
- You are seeking parenting strategies or guidance.
A PARENT AND CHILD SESSION
Other therapists invite the child and parent to attend together. The therapist may spend part of the appointment with everyone and part of the appointment speaking with the child or caregiver separately.
The therapist may adjust the session depending on your child’s age, communication style, comfort level and support needs. For some children, the first session may involve drawing, playing, talking about interests or simply becoming familiar with the room.
There is no single “right” way for a child to participate.
WHAT WILL THE THERAPIST ASK ABOUT?
The first session commonly includes information gathering and goal setting. Your therapist may ask about:
- What brought you to therapy now.
- When you first noticed the concern.
- What happens before, during and after difficult situations.
- How your child manages emotions and changes in routine.
- Sleep, appetite, friendships and school.
- Communication, sensory preferences and interests.
- Strategies you have already tried.
- What has helped, even if only a little.
- What you hope will be different over time.
The therapist will also want to understand your child’s strengths. These might include creativity, humour, persistence, empathy, curiosity, problem-solving skills or a strong interest in a particular subject.
This information helps create a tailored plan. Your child’s therapy should reflect your family’s priorities and your child’s individual needs.
WHAT IF WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT CHILD AUTISM OR CHILD ADHD?
Child therapy and psychological assessment are related but different services.
Therapy focuses on emotional wellbeing, behaviour, relationships and coping skills. An autism or ADHD assessment explores whether a neurodevelopmental condition may help explain your child’s experiences and support needs.
If you are concerned about child autism, the clinician may ask about:
- Social communication and interaction.
- Sensory experiences.
- Repetitive movements or routines.
- Changes and transitions.
- Focused interests.
- How your child manages different environments.
If you are concerned about child ADHD, the clinician may ask about:
- Attention and concentration.
- Impulsivity and activity levels.
- Organisation and completing tasks.
- Emotional regulation.
- Behaviour at home and school.
- Whether difficulties are present across more than one setting.
A neurodiversity-affirming approach recognises that children do not need to be “fixed”. Instead, therapy and assessment aim to understand the child and identify respectful supports that make daily life more manageable.
Inspire Health and Medical provides ADHD and autism assessment services, as well as support for children and adolescents experiencing anxiety, behavioural concerns, school difficulties and social challenges.
HOW ARE PARENTS INVOLVED?
Parents and caregivers are an important part of child therapy. Your involvement may include:
- Sharing information about your child’s development and daily life.
- Helping set realistic therapy goals.
- Learning strategies to use at home.
- Joining occasional parent-only appointments.
- Taking part in brief check-ins before or after sessions.
- Communicating with the child’s school or other professionals, where appropriate and with consent.
The amount of parent involvement depends on your child’s age, needs and treatment plan. Some sessions may be mainly child-focused. Other sessions may focus more on parent guidance and family routines.
Before therapy begins, ask how confidentiality will work. The therapist should explain what information remains private and when information may need to be shared, such as when there is a serious safety concern. You should also understand how progress and recommendations will be communicated to you.
HOW CAN CLYDE NORTH PARENTS PREPARE?
Clyde North is a growing community, and families may be balancing school changes, long commutes, new routines and busy family schedules. Preparing a few details can make the first appointment easier.
Consider bringing or sending:
- Previous psychology, paediatric, speech pathology or occupational therapy reports.
- School reports, learning plans or teacher observations.
- A list of medications or relevant health information.
- Examples of situations that concern you.
- Questions about therapy, assessment or fees.
- Information about sensory preferences, communication needs or calming strategies.
You can also ask the service:
- Will the first session be parent-only or include my child?
- How do you support children with autism or ADHD?
- How will parents be involved?
- Can appointments be offered by telehealth?
- What happens if my child does not want to talk?
- What are the fees and possible rebates?
- How will we review progress?
There is no need to rehearse answers with your child. A simple explanation may be enough: “We are going to meet someone whose job is to help children and families. You can ask questions, draw, play or talk.”
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE : NOT A REAL CLIENT
A fictional Clyde North family contacted Inspire Health and Medical after their eight-year-old child began becoming distressed before school. The child was also finding classroom noise, transitions and homework increasingly difficult.
Before the first appointment, the parents wrote down a few examples and brought recent school feedback. The first session included time for the parents to explain their concerns and time for the child to talk about favourite activities and difficult parts of the school day.
The therapist did not expect an immediate diagnosis or instant change. Instead, the family discussed initial goals: helping the child recognise early signs of overwhelm, creating a calmer after-school routine and working out whether an assessment for ADHD or autism may be useful.
This example is fictional. Every child’s experience and therapy plan will be different.
WHEN SHOULD YOU SEEK URGENT HELP?
Child therapy is not an emergency service. Seek urgent help if your child:
- Is at immediate risk of harming themselves or someone else.
- Has seriously harmed themselves.
- Is experiencing a mental health crisis and cannot remain safe.
- Is experiencing severe distress, confusion or unusual behaviour that requires immediate attention.
- Tells you they do not want to live or cannot keep themselves safe.
In a life-threatening emergency, call 000 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
For crisis support in Australia:
- Lifeline : 13 11 14
- Kids Helpline : 1800 55 1800
- Beyond Blue : 1300 22 4636
- Suicide Call Back Service : 1300 659 467
You can also visit Inspire Health and Medical’s Emergency Supports page for additional crisis and mental health contacts.
FINDING CHILD THERAPY IN CLYDE NORTH
The first appointment is a starting point. It is a chance to ask questions, share your concerns and decide whether the service feels suitable for your family.
Inspire Health and Medical offers psychology and counselling for children, adolescents and families in Clyde North and surrounding areas. Appointments may be available in person or through secure telehealth, depending on your needs and the clinician’s recommendations.
Our qualified psychologists and counsellors provide confidential, tailored care for concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, behavioural challenges, child autism, child ADHD and school difficulties.
You can learn more about psychology in Clyde North, book an appointment online, or call 1300 947 477. No referral is needed for a private appointment.
Your child’s experience matters. Your concerns matter too. We are here to support your family with caring hearts and expert minds.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Does my child need a diagnosis before starting therapy?
No. Children can access therapy for emotional, behavioural, social or school-related concerns without a formal diagnosis. If an autism or ADHD assessment may be helpful, your clinician can discuss appropriate next steps.
Does my child need to talk during the first session?
No. Children may communicate through play, drawing, movement or conversation. The therapist will adapt the session to your child’s age, comfort and communication style.
Do I need a referral to book child therapy in Clyde North?
No referral is needed to make a private appointment. A Mental Health Care Plan and referral may be required if you want to access a Medicare rebate.
How long is the first appointment?
Most appointments are up to approximately 50 minutes, although the length may vary depending on the clinician and appointment type. Autism and ADHD assessments may involve longer or multiple appointments.
What if the therapist is not the right fit?
A good therapeutic relationship is important. If the fit does not feel right, speak with the service. The team may be able to discuss other options based on your child’s needs and preferences.
